The Darling Brothers Book 3: Saddle to Sunup by Emmy Sanders

The Darling Brothers Book 3

He gave me my first kiss. I never expected he might be my last.

Lawson

Ever since Oakley Beaumont skipped town, it feels as if my life has gone off the rails. Even worse than my divorce and moving back into my childhood bedroom at the Darling Ranch is the fact that I’m learning there’s a whole lot about myself I simply don’t know.

Like whether or not I’m straight.

And why the sudden absence of my best friend left a hole in my chest I haven’t been able to fill in the three years he’s been gone.

First things first: I need to bring Oakley home.

Then maybe I can tackle the matter of my love life. After all, I’m ready to get back in the saddle.

And who better to help me than the cowboy who once promised me forever?

Saddle to Sunup is a friends-to-lovers romance set in small town Montana, with a queer awakening for a single dad in his forties, a reunion that feels a lot like a second chance, playful banter, a bit of rope, and one very HEA. It’s book 3 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231431993-saddle-to-sunup

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Nothing has felt right to Lawson since his best friend, Oakley, left town three years ago. The pain is worse than the divorce Lawson just went through and having to move back home. And he has had enough. So he drives twenty hours to bring him home. Refusing the outcome any other way. And once they are both back where they belong, everything between them is going to change. Oakley is shocked to find Lawson at his door and dragging him home. But the truth is, he doesn’t mind. Deep down, he knows that he needs Lawson just as much as Lawson needs him. But he is even more shocked when Lawson tells him what he has been going through and that he wants something to happen between them that crosses the lines of friends. After years of never letting himself wonder if there could be anything romantic between them, Lawson opens that locked door Oakley tried so hard to keep shut. Changing everything between them. Lawson has done a lot of thinking and has only realized so much later in life things about himself he didn’t know. That he is still learning. But what has never changed is Oakley. And it’s time to finally be what they were always meant to be with one another. Absolutely loved these two. Best friends. Soul mates. They are truly one another’s person. It just took them a long time to realize that it was so much more than platonic. That they could be so much more if they opened their eyes and realized it was an option. Really beautiful story of these two finally figuring out that they could just be so much more. Three out of the four Darling brothers stories are done and I’m definitely looking forward to Remi’s story!

The Darling Brothers Book 2: Brim Over Boot by Emmy Sanders

 

The Darling Brothers Book 2

He may be a King, but I’ll never kneel.

Colton

If asked to list all the folks in Darling, Montana I can’t stand, I’d have a single name.

Noah King.

He’s the second-best farrier in town (me being the first). A royal pain in my behind. And an all-around smug pest I wouldn’t mind knocking down a peg or two.

It’s no surprise after so many years, our animosity has come to a head. I just never in my wildest, hate-fueled fantasies expected Noah’s attack to involve his lips on mine.

It was a mistake, no question. But apparently I still have some things to figure out about myself.

One thing I do know? Noah King and I have been bitter rivals from the start. And nothing, not even the fire he lights under my skin, makes a lick of difference in the end.

Surrendering to my enemy isn’t an option.

Brim Over Boot is a small town, enemies-to-lovers romance between rival farriers, with a double bi-awakening, tension and banter galore, scorching encounters, a slow fall from hate to love, and one very HEA. It’s book 2 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220080166-brim-over-boot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Colton Darling can’t stand Noah King. It’s been that way for a long time. There is something about Noah that drives Colton crazy. But Colton just never understands what it was that he did to make Noah look at him like he was the worst. And lately, Colton really just can’t sit still about these strong feelings when it comes to Noah. Noah tries to keep Colton at a distance to avoid the accusing looks and verbal sparring, but Colton always seems to find Noah. And when their businesses clash a bit more, it just ups the ante. Things are about to boil over with these two and nothing surprises them more when instead of a fist to the face, it’s a kiss. A kiss that changes everything. There is confusion and wary trust and just slowly realizing that they may have been looking at one another in the wrong light. And when they actually get to know one another? Well, things could be different. But there is a lot to still uncover about themselves and one another and maybe that is exactly what they need. Oof! The tension between these two were insane! You were just waiting for the snap. ANd boy was it a snap. Loved their banter and their constant fights that turned steamy quick. They were truly playing with the lines of love and hate and it is so satisfying to see these two realize that falling for one another was a lot better than hating. Another great story in this series! And I’m off to grab book 3!

The Darling Brothers Book 1: Sweet Like Whiskey by Emmy Sanders

 

The Darling Brothers Book 1

The only thing worse than letting him in is the thought of letting him go.

Jackson

If there’s one thing I don’t need upsetting my quiet and comfortable routine in the small town of Darling, Montana, it’s newcomer Ash Alcott crash landing on my family’s ranch like some sort of blonde angel.

I don’t need his flirting. Or his smile. I don’t need the way he makes me question whether or not I’m truly happy being alone at forty. I certainly don’t need to be giving him riding lessons or appreciating the meals he cooks for the ranch.

The man is dangerous for my equilibrium. And he could up and leave at any given moment, tiring of this way of life. It’s happened before.

No, I’m better off ignoring the way he looks at home in a new pair of boots and how my family and the ranchers all adore him. Ash may have brought some sunshine into our lives, but it’s best he learn sooner rather than later…

Ain’t nothing sweet about being saddled with a cowboy like me.

Sweet Like Whiskey is a grumpy/sunshine, small town romance between a stubborn cowboy and the optimistic out-of-towner who’s determined to win him over. There’s ranch life, close-knit family dynamics, gorgeous mountain views, moonlit shenanigans in a hayloft, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214574116-sweet-like-whiskey

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ash knew he needed a change and that he needed to leave Maine. And when his friend offers for him to stay with her in Montana while he figures out what he wants, he jumps at the chance. And even when his car breaks down just outside the town, the moment he sees the mountains and the small town of Darling, he knows that he made the right choice. And when he starts working as a cook for the Darling Family on their ranch, it’s even more confirmation that he is in the right place. Especially when he meets Jackson. Ash knows he is in the trouble the moment he sees Jackson. He sees past that tough exterior to the heart of gold and Ash just knows that Jackson may be the who of what he was searching for. Jackson has gotten used to the loneliness and comfort of his ranch with this family. Especially after a break up a few years back that had him closing himself off. But he never expects the optimistic and flirty man that is Ash. And he knows he too is in trouble with this man. His fears may circle in the back of his mind, but he knows that he will regret it if he never tries. Because Ash is worth fighting the fear every time. Adored these two!! They were so sweet and cute and just that perfect sunshine and grumpy couple. I loved getting to know these two and watch them fall in love. This was a great start to this series and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Darling Brothers’ stories!

Royal Elite Book 0: Cruel King by Rina Kent

 

Royal Elite Book 0

He's no fairy tale king.

Levi

Here, little princess. I'm your king.

You have three rules.

Bow. Break. Bend the knee.

Fight me all you want, but soon enough, you'll be chanting long live the king.

Astrid

One day I'm Royal Elite School's small fly, the next I'm hunted and left to die.

He doesn't only shred my life to parts, but he's also coming after my heart.

He thinks he broke me, but the new princess will bring the king to his knees.

Cruel King is a complete standalone in Royal Elite world. No book should be read prior to this

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/225085537-cruel-king

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

So I started with the kids’ books, opps! But now I’m finally circling back to the beginning of this universe and in doing so, it’s time to see what the parents were like as kids. And it will surprise no one when I say their kids are exactly like them LOL. And it starts with Levi and Astrid. Astrid has done her best to stay invisible at Royal Elite School. She has one year to go and then she’s free. But when she goes to a party before school starts, nothing goes to plan. And she ends up being the victim of a hit-and-run. And on top of that? She let’s the literal King of the school notice her. Big mistake. Because once Levi has his eyes on you, he won’t let go. Especially when it comes Astrid. Astrid is determined to figure out what happened that night and bring them to justice. Levi wants her to forget that night, especially because accident wasn’t the only thing that happened. She stands up to him and fights him every step of the way. Whatever move he makes, she counters it. And no one does that. It only intrigues Levi. And turns out, there is more to these two than anyone knows and they have more in common than they think. But this is a dangerous world they live in and they have to play smart if they want to come out of it alive. I was definitely looking forward to reading this story after reading about their kids and seeing them adults. It was fun to see what they were like before that and it didn’t disappoint. Their love story is exactly what you would expect and I can’t wait to see everyone else’s stories!

Leighton U Book 5: Fake Shot by CE Ricci

 

Leighton U Book 5

We fake it, but it’s me who breaks it.

The past year living with Camden Steele has been hell on Earth.

He’s more court jester than NHL-bound goalie,

only making time for hockey and hook-ups.

Too bad his blasé, playboy lifestyle has caught up with him.

Now, he needs a tutor—not to mention a major reputation boost.

And as it turns out, I could use a fake boyfriend.

So, we strike a deal.

Having loathed hockey my entire life makes it a tough sell at first,

but the real undertaking is accepting the truth:

Though we’re opposites in many ways, he and I are not all that different.

And somewhere between the study sessions and shared secrets,

what started as make believe becomes the realest thing I’ve ever known.

That is, unless my lies end it all before it can truly begin.

*Fake Shot is the fifth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two of the most opposites to ever attract, countless pages of soft boy moments, and a fake dating scheme filled with rules just waiting to be broken. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231343598-fake-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Camden and Logan’s book has finally arrived. And oh man, you guys aren’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster this one puts you through. Because not only is it the last book in this series, but the last like quarter of the book? Ugh. Hits you hard on that feelings rollercoaster. But never fear! A happy ending is guaranteed. And these guys deserve it after everything. But back to the beginning. Cam is in bit of a rough spot. His reputation and image isn’t the best right now for someone who is NHL bound and when he begins to fail a class, he has to find a way to pass or else risk hockey all together. So he needs a tutor. He just never imagined that his roommate, Logan, would not only change his mind about helping but also ask Cam to be his fake boyfriend for a while. Logan finds himself in an awkward position and it’s why he tells Cam he’ll help. Though he keeps a big part of the truth out of it. These two are opposites in a lot of ways. And yet, the more these two spend time together and fake a relationship, the more real it starts becoming. They share truths and secrets and fears and it becomes harder and harder to remember why anything was fake in the first place. But eventually truths may come out and it’s up to them to figure out if a future together is even a real possibility. I really loved these two. They take you by surprise from the beginning. Especially when you try to figure out how the two of them could work together, but they were actually perfect for one another. They give one another a chance to truly be themselves without hiding who they are like they tend to do in front of others. I loved that for them. And I loved that even though they had to go through some tough things, they still loved one another. And timing and fighting for who you love is everything. A beautiful story to end the series on! I’m so sad it’s over. But couldn’t ask for a better end for this group of friends!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Thin Ice Book 1: The Kennedy Rule by KC Carmichael

 

On Thin Ice Book 1

Twenty more minutes. That’s all I have left to prove that Connor Kennedy is no better than me. Again.

Captain of his team, the privileged son of a hockey legend, Connor Kennedy is the league’s golden boy. And the one player who can always get under my skin. Our rivalry has been building for years, and when we’re forced to room together as Olympic teammates, I can feel the tension between us reach boiling point.

The world might see me as hockey’s most feared enforcer, Alaska’s angriest export, but in our room each night after practice, I can’t maintain my facade.

Now, I can’t get Connor out of my mind for another reason, and this obsession could ruin us both.

But one thing I know for some rules are made to be broken.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241685713-the-kennedy-rule

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Connor Kennedy is known as the league’s golden boy. One would think the son of a hockey legend would be a great thing. But not for Connor. His father is controlling in every aspect of Connor’s life especially in Connor’s hockey career considering how tightly he is involved with Connor’s team. And in controlling Connor’s career and image, Connor tends to have some enemies. Little do they know that Connor is nothing like his father. One in particular is Gavin, a brutal enforcer in the league. And someone Connor could have been friends with back when they were teens and first met, but Connor’s made sure that wasn’t possible. Now, the two of them find themselves playing together for Team USA in this year’s Olympics. And in doing so, it may just open their eyes to the truth about one another. Especially when their chemistry not only comes to light on the ice but off it as well. Gavin’s protective instincts kick in about Connor in a way he never expected. He knows he is in trouble. But Connor may just be worth it. Loved these two! I love how hard these two fell for one another and in doing so really gave them the courage to be who they were and fight for who they love. Connor’s dad is the absolute worst and I loved that Connor was able to find a way to stand up to him and that everyone gathered around to bring him down. I really liked the group of characters we got and I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Vermont Trailblazers Book 2: Around and Around We Go by Amy Aislin

 

Vermont Trailblazers Book 2

When you’re facing The End, it’s time to rewind to the beginning.

At thirty-eight years old, Sandro Zanetti is quickly aging out of hockey. But the Trailblazers are chasing a history-making third consecutive championship this season, so until his knees fail him, he plans on giving his all to the sport.

What he doesn’t need is the documentary film crew following the team’s every move. Because the director? Is Bennett Jackson.

Former college sweetheart.

Breaker of hearts.

Still unbearably handsome.

But their relationship is also history and has been for fifteen years.

Bennett Jackson is one project away from the credits rolling on his career after his last film flopped. This behind-the-scenes look at the hottest team in the league is his last chance at redemption…and possibly his last chance at redeeming himself with the one man who’s always held his heart.

Neither of them planned for old jokes to resurface or on the inconvenient fact that their chemistry is very much alive.

But as the action heats up on and off the ice—and on and off camera—their reunion looks less like a rerun of heartbreak and more like a revival of that first chemistry.

And Sandro and Bennett may discover that some stories deserve a sequel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241945648-around-and-around-we-go

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sandro knows deep down his hockey career is coming to an end but he isn’t ready just yet to call it quits. Especially when he doesn’t know what he wants to do after he retires. And the last thing he needs is for a camera crew to come invade his team’s space while they make a documentary about them. Because while he keeps things close to the chest, part of that reason is because of the guy in charge of the documentary. Bennett. The man he loved when they were in college and had been together for four years before he suddenly ended it. Leaving Sandro heartbroken and confused and wondering what went wrong. Especially when Bennett became impossible to reach. But seeing Bennett again after fifteen years? His heart underneath the pain still tells him his feelings aren’t completely gone. Not yet. And the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist reigniting their connection. Bennett has never regretted letting Sandro get away. He knows he made a mistake back then. And he knows that he should have talked to Sandro about what he was dealing with rather than try and protect Sandro from Bennett’s own stress. Seeing Sandro again though? All Bennett wants is a chance to explain and maybe a second chance if Sandro will give him one. Adored these two! Your heart hurts for them knowing they were so young and had so much pressure on them and sadly their hearts were sacrificed for a bit. I loved that they had a second chance because it was clear how much they still loved one another and how perfect they were for one another. Loved jumping back into this series and getting to know more of the Trailblazers. Get ready for sweet romance and plenty of team shenanigans. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.